Ian Burns Shares New Song With Lyn Bowtell While Experiencing Health Battle

While Australian country singer-songwriter Ian Burns continues to face his health battle with melanoma, he’s released a new song with fellow storyteller Lyn Bowtell, inspiring anyone in similar situations to keep going.

Last year, melanoma (skin cancer) was estimated to remain the third most commonly diagnosed type of cancer in Australia, with a chance of 1 in 17 (or 5.9%) risk of being diagnosed with melanoma of the skin by the age of 85 (1 in 14 or 7.0% for males and 1 in 21 or 4.8% for females), per Cancer Australia.

Revealing his cancer diagnosis in March, Burns has continued to post video updates to his Instagram, filling in his followers on his cancer journey. In the videos, Burns discusses his immunotherapy treatments and how he’s feeling. He reminds viewers that despite his positive attitude and often healthy-looking presence, that doesn’t mean he’s feeling great.

On his new song, Wildflowers, Burns continues to move audiences with his storytelling abilities. Wildflowers was written with Lyn Bowtell at the 2024 Academy of Country Music Senior Course and was produced by ARIA Award-winning producer, Simon Johnson.

Burns said about the song: “I had this picture in my mind of a girl who was a million miles away, dancing in the sun. Then I questioned where the story would go from there? Is it about a lucky guy sharing his life with this beautiful person, or does life's imperfections hurt this seemingly perfect individual?

“I knew 'Wildflowers' needed Lyn. Her input was invaluable in shaping the direction of the song. We almost completely reimagined the narrative, focusing on the main characters and the unfolding story. We turned it back to the guy whose problems pushed away this amazing person.”

Two months after the song was written, Burns was diagnosed with melanoma and recorded his vocals not long before he started cancer treatment. He added, “It was a cathartic writing experience. Being good friends and having a real connection with a writing partner creates a safe environment where you can open up without fear of judgment.

“I was so hopeful that Lyn would want to be involved because her angelic voice beautifully complemented the song and the picture we were trying to paint. It's an honour to have her singing with me on our song.”

Bowtell said, “We co-wrote this track at The CMAA Academy 2024, and it was moving to see it come together. Ian's music and lyrics have a genuine warmth, and it was an honour to be part of this song.”

You can listen to Wildflowers below. Countrytown wishes Ian Burns well on his health journey.